Neurological

At Amethyst, we are a passionate advocate for comprehensive epilepsy care, and we are dedicated to improving the lives of both adult and pediatric patients through the education and training of their caregivers. We ensure that the caregivers understand the anatomy and physiology of the brain and how different seizures will manifest depending on where in the brain they occur. The training in seizure management techniques has encouraged approaches that have helped countless individuals support patients and their families to regain control of their health and independence. We also cater to clients with other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and dementia.

Brain

Neurological Skills Training Courses

Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Awareness

The attendees will be able to give detail of:

  • What is the vagus nerve 
  • What is a  Vagus Nerve Stimulator
  • The indications for VNS and how it works
  • How to use the VNS
  • The side effects of using VNS.
  • The importance of following the protocol/escalation plan.
  • Documentation and record keeping of the seizures.
  • Demonstrate use on the manikin.

Aphasia Awareness

The attendees will be able to give detail of:

  • What aphasia is and how aphasia affects the brain
  • The signs and symptoms of aphasia
  • How they can support communication with people living with aphasia 
  • How to help them participate in everyday activities.

Dystonia Awareness

The attendees will be able to give detail of:

  • What dystonia definition
  • The causes, triggers, and symptoms of dystonia
  • The different types of dystonia
  • How to differentiate dystonia from similar conditions.

Hydrocephalus and Shunt Awareness and Care

The attendees will be able to give detail of:

  • What is hydrocephalus 
  • How it affects the brain and spinal cord
  • What a shunt is and what the indications for shunt insertion are
  • The care of the individual with a shunt

Oro-mucosal Midazolam Administration

The attendees will be able to give detail of:

  • What is Oro-mucosal midazolam 
  • How oro-mucosal midazolam works on controlling the seizure
  • When and how to safely administer oro-mucosal midazolam
  • The recognition and management of adverse effects such as respiratory suppression

Rectal Diazepam Administration

The attendees will feel confident in explaining:

  • What is rectal diazepam
  • How rectal diazepam works and when to use it
  • How to be confident in administering diazepam via the rectal route safely during a seizure
  • Recognition and management of adverse reactions eg respiratory suppression

Rectal Paraldehyde Administration

The attendees will feel confident in explaining:

  • How to safely store, check, draw up, and administer rectal paraldehyde
  • The dangers of rectal paraldehyde 
  • What precautions to take
  • Recognition and management of adverse reactions eg respiratory suppression

Seizure and Epilepsy Awareness

The attendees will have a better understanding of and be able to give detail of:

  • The anatomy and physiology of the brain
  • How the brain is affected by seizures and epilepsy
  • The causes, triggers and symptoms of seizures and epilepsy
  • The different types of seizures
  • How to care for individuals with epilepsy
  • Protocols, escalation plans, and documentation.
  • Epilepsy first aid
  • Documentation and record keeping of seizures